Released 10/07/2018
The world’s largest knitted kiwi bird is on display at the National Arboretum Canberra this month as part of the 2018 Warm Trees Installation.
The Friends of the Arboretum and the New Zealand High Commission worked together to create the giant bird with a mosaic of colourful scarves. The kiwi can be seen strolling along the events terrace, and is so big that its whiskers measure 2.5 metres each.
The bird is one of dozens of winter woollies which form the Warm Trees Installation at the National Arboretum. Others include crochet ferns, hand crafted pohutukawa flowers, and as always, dozens of colourful scarves wrapped around tree trunks.
New Zealand High Commissioner Chris Seed said the High Commission was thrilled to be able to partner with the Friends and National Arboretum in this way.
“It’s not every day you are asked if it is ok to build a giant 20m x 14m knitted Kiwi at the National Arboretum, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase a little bit of New Zealand at one of Canberra’s leading national attractions,” said New Zealand High Commissioner, Chris Seed.
“We also have a Matariki display inside the Village Centre. Matariki is the celebration of Maori New Year and it is wonderful to be able to share this special time of year for New Zealanders with National Arboretum visitors,” Mr Seed said.
Director of Venues Canberra, Liz Clarke welcomes the partnership which showcases New Zealand’s unique culture and the work of hundreds of knitters from Australia and across the world.
“Warm Trees has evolved to draw inspiration from a different embassy each year and it’s so exciting to be featuring some of New Zealand’s icons this winter,” said Ms Clarke.
“We have hundreds of volunteers sending knitted goods from across the country, and even as far as New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Our keen knitters range from school-age children to our oldest volunteer who’s 104 years of age,” Ms Clarke said.
Other activities for the kids include drop-in knitting sessions and New Zealand cultural workshops.
The installation runs until 5 August 2018
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